The 1971 film “Vanishing Point” remains an enduring classic among car enthusiasts, frequently appearing on lists of the greatest movie car chases. While opinions on its ranking may vary, there’s no denying that the real star of the movie wasn’t the lead actor, Barry Newman, but a white 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. This iconic car has left a lasting impression, inspiring numerous modern Challengers to recreate the look. If you’ve ever wanted to drive like Kowalski, the good news is that a 2012 Challenger R/T “Vanishing Point” build is currently up for sale, and it’s bound to pique the interest of any car enthusiast.
While every white Challenger might evoke memories of “Vanishing Point” for car enthusiasts, this particular build is a dedicated homage to the film. It goes beyond the paint job, meticulously replicating the movie car’s steel wheels, a lowered suspension to capture its distinctive stance, and even the “Dodge” badge spelled out on the hood. Inside, the black cabin features a wooden pistol-grip shifter and houndstooth fabric seat inserts, adding a touch of authenticity. Thankfully, the manual transmission is a modern six-speed, ensuring a more comfortable and contemporary driving experience compared to the vintage four-speed of the ’70s.
Under the elongated hood, you’ll find a smaller engine compared to the original movie car, which boasted a massive 440 cubic-inch powerplant (equivalent to about 7.2 liters). This 2012 Challenger build is powered by a 345 cubic-inch engine (around 5.7 liters), but it compensates for the displacement difference with an impressive 598 horsepower, thanks to a Magnuson supercharger kit. This is a substantial boost compared to the 390 horsepower of the movie car.
Despite its performance enhancements, this build has accumulated 75,000 miles, though you’d never guess it from its impeccable condition. The entire vehicle, including its undercarriage, looks remarkably well-preserved, free from any oil leaks or signs of rust.
However, it’s worth noting that this replica comes with a relatively steep price tag, particularly considering it doesn’t even have four matching tires. Priced at $39,900, it’s nearly double what you might find for used Challengers of a similar vintage and mileage. In fact, you can even locate significantly newer cars with updated designs and interiors for less. But if you’re a devoted fan of the ’70s cinematic classic and desire a faithful replica of the silver screen’s beloved star car, the asking price may be justifiable for you.
